What is Asian Studies?

The Asian Studies program at Kennesaw State explores diverse topics and themes on linguistic, literary, cultural, philosophic-religious, aesthetic, social, institutional-political, educational and other related spheres of Asian people and civilization. The program also endeavors to explain the complex interactions among them in terms of both tradition and transformation. Some emphasis is placed not only on the cultural diversity, unity and achievements of Asian countries but also on the comparative and interdisciplinary ways of promoting a broader and deeper understanding of the East. This enterprise may shed new light on Western civilizations, histories, traditions, cultures and modern changes.
asian women near a pond in asia

Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Admission Requirements

None.

This program does not have specific admission requirements and only admission to Kennesaw State University is required.

World Language Requirement

Students will choose to study either Chinese, Japanese, or Korean as a required part of the program.

Required courses* will include: (CHIN, JAPN, or KOR): 1002, 2001, and 2002.

*Students may need to begin at the 1001 level depending on placement exam results. However, 1001 credit can count towards IMPACTS or free elective requirements if space is available.

Sample Classes

  • Drawing on interdisciplinary texts (including ethnographic, historical, legal, and literary), this course provides students with an introductory overview of modern Japan, from the postwar to the present. Topics of the course include family, community, youth culture, minority cultures, gender, and sex.
  • This course provides students with knowledge of the socio-cultural issues related to the classroom in Asia. The focus of the course spans both cultural and social issues associated with classroom management in an Asian setting.
  • This course examines cultural and historical developments in Asia from approximately 10,000 BCE through 1600 CE. Students learn about the rise of complex societies, cities, and states; early economies; empires; and the role of archaeology in modern Asia. Along the way, students engage in major debates that have arisen from competing interpretations of the archaeological record.
  • The course explores the significance of tea to Asians, and demonstrates how and why tea becomes such an important social beverage in Asia. Students have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Asian cultures and customs.